Israel Bio-Engineering Project

The Israel Bio-Engineering Project (IBEP) was a biotechnology research and development entity established in 1978 to commercialize innovations from the Weizmann Institute of Science. The company is best known for its pivotal role in the development of Rebif (interferon beta-1a), a major therapeutic for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. IBEP operated as a limited partnership that funded research into cytokines and immune system proteins, bridging the gap between academic discovery and industrial application. Through a strategic partnership with Ares-Serono, IBEP's research led to the successful global commercialization of recombinant interferon products. The entity also held significant early patents related to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) binding proteins, which were later the subject of high-profile patent litigation in the biotechnology sector.